A retrospective comparative study between kirschner wire fixation and plating for extra articular distal end radius fracture

Abstract

Distal radius fracture (DRF) is a common injury of the upper extremity. Owing to the favourable functional and radiological outcomes, volar-locked plating has attained immense acceptance in treating both extra- and intra-articular DRFs. This prospective study was designed to correlate between clinical and radiological outcome of post-operative extra-articular DRFs. A total of 100 subjects were enrolled in the study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Majority population with DRFs were females. In patients that underwent plating: wrist dorsiflexion was >15° in 6% and >20° in 94%, wrist volar flexion was >15° in 8% and >20° in 92%; supination was >40° in 4%, >50° in 10% and >60° in 86%; pronation was >40° in 6%, >50° in 12% and >60° in 82%; mean (SD) union time was 9.56 (1.67) weeks. In patients that underwent wiring: wrist dorsiflexion was >15° in 24% and >20° in 76%; wrist volar flexion was >15° in 24% and >20° in 76%; supination was >40 in 14%, >50° in 36% and >60° in 50%; pronation was >40° in 12%, >50° in 34% and >60° in 54%; mean (SD) union time was 10.29 (1.25) weeks. Grip strength is quite good irrespective of the type of treatment received. Treatment using the k-wires takes more time for individuals to return to their normal activities compared to the plating method, and is commonly associated with complications.